Dack hits back and Alex are stacked
GIVEN that these two sides had the worst defensive records in the division prior to this game, and that the eight previous meetings had seen 34 goals, this fixture was never likely to be a bore draw.
And although Gillingham only scored twice as they ended the League One’s basement club record of four-consecutive wins at Priestfield Stadium, they could have easily scored as many as the number of games the Railwaymen have lost this season: that tally now stands at five defeats from five.
Bradley Dack put the hosts in front with a curling effort on 18 minutes, after the Alex defence had failed to fully clear Jermaine McGlashan’s blazed cross.
Striker Cody McDonald then doubled the hosts’ advantage somewhat fortuitously in first half stoppage time. Jake Hessenthaler put McDonald through on goal, and although goalkeeper Ben Garratt blocked his powerful shot, the ball looped into the net.
The Gills have now taken seven points from a possible nine at home this season, and manager Peter Taylor was delighted with his side's performance.
“I thought we looked in control in the first half,” he said.“I was pleased with our football, pleased with the majority of the decisions the boys made, and overall I think it was good.
“I didn’t think Bradley [Dack] was playing well, then he goes and gets a wonder goal.
“If anything we needed the third goal. I don’t care what anybody says, 2-0 is a dangerous scoreline.
“In the second half we were professional.We didn’t want to let Crewe in, which would have made it a different game. There were lots of things that were positive today.”
The Railwaymen had scored at least three goals in their last four visits to Kent, but Billy Waters scuffed effort in the 66th minute was their first, and only one of four shots on target.
Alex boss Steve Davis blasted his side's first half performance, saying: “I thought we started really poorly, we looked tired and devoid of any ideas.
“We started the second half well, we were the better side in the first 10 to 15 minutes, but we couldn't force a goal.
“I thought we had a real go in the second half, but it shouldn't take a half time roasting to get players to realise that the performance was well below what it should have been.
“I've got to try and instil some confidence into them, and then get a couple of results.
“There’s something wrong there with the players, not having belief in themselves and the group. They need to stand up and show some courage.”